Blackberry 'Fantasia' Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Fantasia' (F)
ABOUT
Rubus fruticosus, in its broadest sense, is the blackberry. There are both thorny and thornless cultivars available with long arching canes'Fantasia' is a vigorous, blackberry with long arching, thorny canes, spreading up to 8m in width. Flowers white; fruit black
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Fantasia Blackberry, Fantasia Bramble
Common names
Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Fantasia' (F).
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: The blackberry is a source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.
- Edible Fruits: Blackberries can be eaten fresh, used in cooking, or made into jams and desserts, providing culinary versatility.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant offers shelter and food for birds and other wildlife, supporting biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: The dense root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes or banks.
- Landscape Aesthetics: With its attractive flowers and fruits, it can enhance the beauty of gardens and green spaces.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which is crucial for the ecosystem and food production.
- Sustainable Cultivation: The plant can be grown organically, minimizing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: The fruit of blackberry, which Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Fantasia' is a cultivar of, contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help in protecting the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds in blackberries have been shown to reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial in managing inflammatory conditions.
- Antimicrobial: Blackberry extracts possess antimicrobial properties, potentially effective against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Gastroprotective effects: Blackberry consumption may help in reducing symptoms related to gastrointestinal disorders due to its high fiber content and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Cardio-protective properties: Berries, including blackberries, are associated with improved heart health due to their fiber, flavonoids, and antioxidants.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The berries of blackberry 'Fantasia' can be used to produce a natural dye for textiles, offering a range of purple and blue hues.
- Ink Production: Similar to dye, the berry juice can be processed to make a natural ink for artistic purposes or traditional writing techniques.
- Photography: The juice or extracts from the 'Fantasia' blackberry can be used in the alternative photography process known as anthotype, where plant dyes are used to create images on paper.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers and fresh shoots can be used as edible decorations to enhance the presentation of dishes.
- Flavoring Agent: Leaves and berries can be infused into syrups or vinegars to imbue them with fruity flavors.
- Traditional Crafts: The flexible stems of blackberry bushes can be woven into baskets or other craft items.
- Feed for Livestock: The leaves and stems, when available in large quantities, can be used as supplementary feed for livestock like sheep and goats.
- Soil Erosion Control: The dense, sprawling growth habit of the 'Fantasia' blackberry can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain landscapes.
- Watercolor Paint: The pigments from the berries can be used to create watercolor paint, providing a natural source of color for artists.
- Educational Resource: The plant can be studied in schools or educational programs to teach about fruit development, plant biology, and cultivation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiBlackberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBlackberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The blackberry, commonly referred to as Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Fantasia', is known for its hardy nature, symbolizing the ability to thrive in challenging conditions and endure hardships.
- Protection: Historically, blackberry bushes with their thorny branches have been thought to provide protection against evil spirits and negative energies, symbolizing safeguarding.
- Abundance: Blackberry plants are prolific producers of fruit, representing abundance and fertility in various cultural symbolisms.
- Growth: The vigorous growth pattern of the blackberry can symbolize personal growth and expansion in one's life.
- Healing: Since blackberries have been used for their medicinal properties, they can also symbolize healing and health.
WaterBlackberry 'Fantasia' plants prefer consistently moist soil but are susceptible to overwatering. Water them deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water, which equates to approximately 0.5 to 1 gallons for each plant, depending on weather conditions. During hot or dry periods, increase the frequency to twice per week, always checking the soil moisture before watering.
LightBlackberry 'Fantasia' thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting is an open area away from shade-casting trees or buildings to ensure ample light exposure for vigorous growth and fruit production.
TemperatureBlackberry 'Fantasia' is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures down to about -10°F, but the ideal growing temperature range is between 70°F and 85°F. It can survive high temperatures as long as the plants receive adequate water, but prolonged exposure to temperatures over 90°F may stress the plant.
PruningPruning Blackberry 'Fantasia' is essential for healthy growth and productivity. Prune in late winter or early spring by removing all dead canes and thinning out crowded areas. After fruiting, prune out the canes that have produced berries as they will not fruit again. This practice encourages new growth which will produce the next season's crop.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlackberry 'Fantasia' thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. A mixture containing equal parts of loam, compost, and aged manure or a balanced commercial potting mix supplemented with compost generally works well. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support vigorous growth.
RepottingBlackberry 'Fantasia' plants typically do not need frequent repotting since they are grown in the ground but can be propagated or replanted every few years. Container-grown plants should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingBlackberry 'Fantasia' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in an environment with moderate humidity. As it is most commonly grown outdoors, it often accommodates the local ambient humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light & ensure large pot for root growth.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, ample space to spread.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe blackberry 'Fantasia' begins its life cycle with germination, as seeds sprout in the soil typically in spring or early summer. Seedlings grow into juvenile plants, which then develop a network of roots and shoots. Once mature, which can take a few years, the plant produces canes that bear leaves and, eventually, flowers, usually in the second year of growth. These white to pink flowers are then pollinated by insects, leading to the development of the aggregate fruit the blackberry is known for during the summer months. After fruiting, the plant goes dormant in the winter, with the perennial root system surviving to sprout new canes the following spring. Throughout its life, blackberry 'Fantasia' can produce new plants through tip layering, where the tips of canes touch the ground and take root, creating clonal offspring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the blackberry 'Fantasia' is by tip rooting, which is best done in late summer or early autumn. To propagate by tip rooting, a healthy cane is bent gently toward the ground and the tip is buried in the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm). It is often helpful to hold the cane in place with a U-shaped pin or a heavy object. Over time, roots will develop from the buried tip, after which the new plant can be severed from the parent once it has established a sufficient root system. This method takes advantage of the blackberry’s natural propensity to root from the cane tips when they come into contact with the soil, promoting clonal propagation without the need for sophisticated tools or techniques.
